Free UK shipping over £25 15% off your app order Sign up for email exclusives Earn Cult Status Points
Enjoy 15% off with code FIRST15 and get a FREE £10 gift card when you spend over £60
The Ordinary

The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane 30ml

You'll earn 8 Status Points with this product

Discover Cult Status

£7.80

Or 3 interest free payments of £2.60 with frasers plus


In stock | Usually dispatched within 24 hours

A chart showing The Ordinary retinoid products with their names, textures, strengths, and recommended users. Text reads: How to choose the right retinoid for you: Retinol 0.2% in Squalane Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Retinol 0.5% in Squalane Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Retinol 1% in Squalane Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Oil-like Serum Creamy Serum Oil-like Serum Oil-like Serum Oil-like Serum Creamy Serum Low-Strength Moderate-Strength Moderate-Strength High-Strength High-Strength Our Strongest Retinoid Best for: The First-Time Retinoid User Best for: The Occasional User Best for: The Frequent User Best for: The Advanced User Best for: The Advanced User Best for: The Expert User.

Frequently Bought Together

The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane 30ml

This item

The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane 30ml

£7.80

Total Price:

£12.80

Other Customers Bought

Customer Reviews

4.52 stars out of a maximum of 5

5 stars rating 98 reviews

4 stars rating 28 reviews

3 stars rating 11 reviews

2 stars rating 2 reviews

1 stars rating 3 reviews

Top Customer Reviews

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Please remember that results will vary from person to person. We're proud to say that all customer reviews are independent, authentic and do not represent the views of Cult Beauty or The Hut Group.

Nice

4 stars out of a maximum of 5

I love the Ordinary! Small price tag but always good quality products. Would deffo recommend trying this, along with others in their skincare line

by Kirsty

Was this helpful?

Retinol without drying

4 stars out of a maximum of 5

I have used quite a few retinol products over the years and I find I wake up and my face is like sandpaper.  Didn't get that with this one, went on easily, smelt nice and soaked right in.  Followed it with a face oil.  Woke up with a lovely glow to my skin.  Have't used it long enough to note any major changes in wrinkles yet.

by Karen Verified Purchase

Was this helpful?

Helped treat acne

5 stars out of a maximum of 5

I have temperamental skin and even though I have acne, I find that most acne treatments are too drying and leave me with sore flaking skin. Firstly, I tried the 0.2% serum but it was only once I increased the dose to 0.5% that I really started to see a difference. I find that the combination of squalane and retinol really helps to maintain my skin's balance whilst also reducing my acne flare ups!

by LS Verified Purchase

Was this helpful?

The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.5%

4 stars out of a maximum of 5

This the 3rd time I used The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.5% I  notice the texture felt like a facial oil and was easy to massage as well. It went on my face just like a facial oil, smooth and soft. I even thought I might not need my moisturizer with it as my face legit felt hydrated and soft as it would look after a facial oil. After a few usages only, I woke up one morning and my skin looked like it got some overnight treatment. I couldn’t pinpoint what exactly is different but my skin was definitely feeling it. TheOrdinary Retinol was great

by MOUZA Verified Purchase

Was this helpful?

Results but don’t like consistency

3 stars out of a maximum of 5

I do notice the results with this product and love how my skin feels and looks in the morning but it’s sooo greasy, and doesn’t absorb! So getting it on my pillow and in my hair, which unfortunately has made me try other products but may come back if they don’t provide same results 

by Hannah

Was this helpful?

Helps reduce the appearance of skin texture

4 stars out of a maximum of 5

Since using this, I have had smoother and glowier skin. The squalane helps keep my skin moisturised so I have little to no peeling or 'retinol skin purging' as some people get as well.

by Abbie Verified Purchase

Was this helpful?

Retinol

5 stars out of a maximum of 5

Great price point for an entry into retinol use. Used correctly it doesn’t cause any irritation, just make sure you don’t exfoliate a few days before you use it. Because of the price, I don’t feel guilty for smoothing it across my chest area too- a must in an anti ageing regime!

by Kristina Verified Purchase

Was this helpful?

Didn’t love it

3 stars out of a maximum of 5

It’s quite oily, my skin didn’t take well to it. I used it in the evening maybe 2-3 times a week and it just felt irritated. I’ve seen it work great for some but it just didn’t for me. 

by Tash Verified Purchase

Was this helpful?

Very nice formula

5 stars out of a maximum of 5

I have been using this for about 6 months and the difference in my skin! I had lots of red acne scars as a result of not t looking after my skin when I was younger. I use to be very insecure but this has helped so much. Be aware that you might obviously purge (break out) when you start using this and also work into it gently (once every other night, moving up in frequency). Also careful what other products you are using (e.g no glycolic acid) and always use suncream!!

by Isabelle Verified Purchase

Was this helpful?

Great serum

5 stars out of a maximum of 5

I’ve been using this for a couple of months now, and I’m starting to see great results. I had to deal with a few breakouts to begin with as my skin adjusted, but my skin is much softer, smoother and plumper. I built up slowly and didn’t suffer any sensitivity 

by Ally

Was this helpful?